EP220 vs EP460 – Choosing the Right Grease for Heavy Machinery
Selecting the right grease grade for heavy machinery is not just a technical decision, and it directly affects equipment life, maintenance costs, and operational reliability. One of the most common questions raised by maintenance engineers, fleet operators, and industrial buyers is the comparison between EP220 vs EP460 grease.
Both grades fall under the extreme pressure (EP) category, but they are designed for very different operating conditions. The wrong grade can often lead to premature wear, excessive heat generation, or lubrication failure under load.
We will explore the real differences between EP220 and EP460 grease and explain where each performs best and help you to make the right choice for your heavy-duty applications. We will also highlight suitable Rexol grease solutions and explain how these products can be supplied for private label grease production.
Understanding EP Grease Grades (220 vs 460)
It’s important to understand what these numbers are before comparing EP220 vs EP460 grease. The numbers 220 and 460 refer to the base oil viscosity. In other words:
- EP220 grease uses a medium-viscosity base oil
- EP460 grease uses a high-viscosity base oil
Both greases contain extreme pressure additives, which form a protective film under heavy load and prevent metal-to-metal contact. The real difference lies in how thick that oil film remains under pressure, heat, and slow-moving conditions.
Technical Differences between EP220 vs EP460 Grease
Load-Carrying Capability
One of the main differences between EP220 and EP460 grease is how they handle load.
- EP220 grease is suitable where components are moving at relatively higher speeds for moderate to high loads.
- EP460 grease for heavy loads is performing better where a thicker lubricating film is essential for slow-moving, heavily loaded machinery.
EP460 is providing a superior protection against surface wear and fatigue, and for equipment such as kilns, crushers and heavily loaded bearings,
Operating Speed
Operating speed is playing a crucial role in grease selection.
- EP220 grease performs excellently in medium-speed applications where heat dissipation is required.
- EP460 grease is applicable for slow-speed applications where centrifugal forces are minimal, and oil separation must be controlled.
Selecting the EP460 in a high-speed application may cause overheating, while using the EP220 in slow, heavily loaded equipment can lead to lubrication breakdown.
Temperature and Film Stability
Both greases are applicable to handle demanding conditions, but their performance differs are:
- EP220 grease applications are common in environments where moderate temperatures and continuous movement help distribute lubricant evenly.
- EP460 grease maintains a thicker oil film at elevated temperatures and under sustained load, making it ideal for heavy industrial machinery.
Grease stability under pressure is often more critical than speed capability in different industrial environments.
EP220 Grease Applications in where It Works Best
EP220 grease is frequently used across different industries that require more reliable lubrication without excessive resistance.
Common EP220 Grease Applications are
- Medium-speed bearings and electric motors
- Wheel bearings and automotive chassis
- Fans and Industrial pumps
- Conveyor systems
- General industrial machinery
Rexol Lithium Complex EP 220 Grease is a strong example of this category. It combines excellent mechanical stability, water resistance, and load-carrying capacity, and making it more suitable for both automotive and industrial use.
This grease type is also available for Private Label production under your own brand name.
EP460 Grease for Heavy Loads – When to Choose It
EP460 grease is specifically designed for conditions where is high load, shock, and slow movement dominate.
EP460 Grease Applications
- Large industrial gearboxes
- Heavy-duty bearing in mining equipment
- Construction machinery and earthmoving
- Kilns, crushers and ball mills
- Cement plants and steel mills
Rexol Lithium Complex EP 460 Grease is used for exactly these types of conditions. It’s high-viscosity base oil and advanced EP additive system ensure strong film retention even under extreme pressure and shock loading.
EP 460 grease is also available for Private Label grease manufacturing, tailored to your market requirements.
Why It’s Often the Preferred Choice of Lithium Complex Grease
While EP additives define load protection, the thickener system determines overall grease durability.
Lithium complex greases offer a huge advantage over conventional lithium greases:
- Higher dropping point
- Better resistance to oxidation and heat
- Improved mechanical stability under load
- Longer service intervals
Both EP220 and EP460 grades are commonly supplied as Lithium Complex greases for heavy-duty industrial applications. Rexol’s Lithium Complex EP range is developed to perform consistently in demanding environments.
Quick Comparison Table for EP Grease 220 vs 460
| Feature | EP220 Grease | EP460 Grease |
| Base Oil Viscosity | Medium | High |
| Load Capacity | Moderate to High | Very High |
| Operating Speed | Medium | Low |
| Typical Use | General industrial & automotive | Heavy machinery & mining |
| Film Thickness | Moderate | Thick |
| Shock Load Resistance | Good | Excellent |
Selecting the Right Grade for Your Equipment
When you are deciding in between EP grease 220 or 460 then consider the following factors:
- Load severity
- Operating speed
- Ambient temperature
- Equipment design
- Maintenance intervals
If equipment runs slowly under heavy load, EP460 is usually the best and safer choice. EP220 delivers better efficiency and heat control, if speed is higher than usual and load is moderate.
A lubrication audit and technical consultation can help you to determine the optimal grade.
Private Label Opportunities for EP220 & EP460 Grease
Many industrial suppliers and distributors choose to market EP greases under their own brand name. Both Lithium Complex EP 220 and EP 460 greases are highly suitable for private label programs due to their broad industrial demand.
Rexol offers:
- Custom formulations
- Climate-specific adjustment
- Full technical documentation
- Flexible packaging
Learn more on our Private Label Grease Manufacturing page.
Explore Lithium Complex Grease product pages for detailed specifications.
Final Thoughts: EP220 vs EP460 Grease
The choice between EP220 vs EP460 grease is not about which one is better overall it’s all about which one is right for your operating conditions.
- Choose EP220 grease for moderately loaded applications and medium-speed
- Choose EP460 grease for heavily loaded machinery and slow-moving
Both grades play a main role in industrial lubrication, and selecting the right grade can significantly impact your equipment life and reduce maintenance costs.
If you are looking to supply EP greases under your own brand name, Rexol can support your project with proven formulations, technical expertise, and reliable export-ready production.
Request a Private Label Grease Proposal today and build a strong, competitive grease brand for your market.
